Manufacturing Quality Engineer, Incoming

Slate; Warsaw (IN); On-site; USD 109,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate, based in the United States, seeks a Manufacturing Quality Engineer to lead new product launches with supplier quality focus. The role emphasizes PPAP, CAPA, FMEA, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure robust, scalable manufacturing processes.

Ideal candidate has 6+ years in manufacturing QA, strong data-driven decision making, and a track record of improving supplier performance. Competitive base pay and startup culture await in Indiana, USA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6+ years of engineering or quality assurance in manufacturing.
• Proficiency with QMS and tools such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and SPC.
• Ability to perform root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventive actions.
• FMEA familiarity and risk assessment proficiency.
• Strong data interpretation and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication across teams.
• Experience in supplier quality management and incoming materials.
• Detail-oriented with solid quality documentation practices.
• ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Approve PPAP submissions from suppliers to ensure conformance.
• Follow up on supplier corrective actions to closure.
• Support problem-solving activities for supplier quality issues.
• Provide production line support for supplier-related quality problems.
• Conduct supplier capability assessments and certifications.
• Coordinate incoming inspection processes for supplier compliance.
• Provide inspection support for new products and launches.
• Develop and maintain supplier performance strategies and scorecards.
• Collaborate with supplier quality for improvement initiatives.
• Conduct internal quality audits and monitor KPIs.
• Manage obsolete materials to avoid mix-ups with active stock.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to embed quality in processes.
• Maintain quality documentation including control plans and procedures.
• Utilize risk tools to minimize risks and verify detection systems.
• Support FMEA development and updates.
• Provide quality support to technical and manufacturing teams.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

QMS

Six Sigma

Lean Manufacturing

SPC

Root cause analysis

Corrective & preventive actions

FMEA

Risk assessment

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Supplier quality

Quality documentation

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality Management, or a related field

Tools

AIAG guidelines

IATF 16949

MSA

SPC

APQP

PPAP

Job description

About Slate

At Slate, we’re building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them.

| WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Slate is looking for a dynamic, experienced Manufacturing Quality Engineer to join our growing team. The position will primarily focus on new products and process development and will play a pivotal role in ensuring a safe and successful launch. The role will utilize core quality skills and tools to manufacture and deliver the highest quality products within our various manufacturing processes. The expectation will be to work closely with internal and external partners to ensure we exceed customers’ expectations.

| WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENT:

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

| WHAT YOU GET TO DO:

• Approve PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) Submissions: Review and approve PPAP submissions from suppliers to ensure compliance with quality standards and specifications per inspection plans and requirements.
• Follow Up on Supplier Corrective Actions: Monitor and ensure timely resolution of issues identified in supplier corrective actions.
• Support Problem-Solving Activities: Assist in problem-solving activities related to supplier quality, providing expertise and guidance.
• Provide Production Line Support: Offer support for any supplier quality issues that arise on the production line, ensuring minimal disruption, communicating to the appropriate quality engineer and design responsible engineer.
• Conduct Supplier Capability Assessments: Evaluate supplier capabilities and manage certifications to ensure they meet required regulatory standards.
• Coordinate Incoming Inspection Processes: Oversee incoming inspection processes to ensure supplier compliance with quality requirements.
• Provide part inspection support for incoming inspection for new products, launches, and builds.
• Implement Supplier Performance Strategies: Develop and maintain supplier performance strategies and scorecards to track and improve supplier performance from the launch processes.
• Collaborate with Supplier quality: Work with supplier quality to develop and implement improvement strategies, fostering strong partnerships.
• Conduct Internal Audits: Perform internal audits and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as scrap rates and supplier performance and issue Quality Failure Reports.
• Manage Obsolete Materials: Ensure obsolete materials are managed and aligned with production needs to prevent mixing with active materials during the launch process.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work with various teams to ensure quality requirements are developed and seamlessly integrated into the manufacturing process.
• Maintain Quality Documentation: Develop and maintain essential quality documentation, including control plans, inspection procedures, and quality manuals.
• Risk Minimization: Utilize risk assessment tools to minimize risks and verify the robustness of detection and prevention systems for special characteristics.
• Support FMEA Development: Assist in the development and maintenance of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Provide Quality Support: Offer quality support to technical and manufacturing teams for supplier issues, driving and supporting daily operations.
• Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned.

| WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM:

The role will be expected to have high integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive and growth mindset. You will feel comfortable operating in a flexible and fast-paced environment with a collaborative approach to achieving goals!

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6+ years of experience in engineering or quality assurance and control within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in quality management systems (QMS) and tools such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Ability to conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Familiarity with Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and risk assessment tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Experience in supplier quality management and the ability to set and monitor quality expectations for incoming materials.
• High attention to detail, especially in maintaining quality documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to perform additional duties as assigned.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, a high level of assertiveness, as well as entrepreneurial thinking and goal- and result-oriented decision-making skills.
• Proven track record of engaging and participating in high-performing teams.
• Proficient in the use of commonly applied quality tools and processes in the automotive industry (e.g., AIAG, IATF 16949, MSA, SPC, APQP, PPAP, etc.).
• Highest level of integrity and the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced start-up environment.

| SALARY RANGE:

The compensation for this position is the range Slate reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including job-related knowledge; skillset; experience, education and training; certifications; work location; and other relevant business and organizational factors.

Base Pay Range (Annual)

108,877.26 - 163,315.90 USD Annual

WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE?

At Slate, we’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. The start-up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness move our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, and is motivated by shared principles.

• Safety First
• Delight Customers
• One Team
• Relentless Improvement
• Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy
• Respectful Collaboration
• Positive Legacy

WE WANT TO WORK WITH PEOPLE THAT REFLECT THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE.

Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff… We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason.

Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at

[e-mail].